Hey guys, Valentine's Day is less than a week away. Yep, time to frantically scramble to create the perfect date. Although Valentine's Day is about celebrating the person you love, the planning can become so stressful that the true meaning of the day is lost. Fret no longer. Whether you wish to splurge on a fancy night, or your budget is a little more constrained, here is a list of ideas that might help you pull off your own unique and memorable Valentine's Day. Most importantly, remember that the secret to the ultimate date is to put thought into it and show your significant other how much you genuinely care.

1. Re-do your first date.

Remember those butterflies you felt the first time you two saw that one movie together? Or the way your fingers nervously inched their way across the table only to slightly graze her hand? Whether you have been married for decades or dating for several months, reliving those giddy memories can serve as a fun reminder to how much you have grown as a couple. This is creative, thoughtful, romantic and you are sure to earn extra brownie points if you surprise her with the idea.

2. Photo scavenger hunt

Explore the city with your date and document the journey. Visit different parts of Las Cruces and take pictures of each other that will later serve as valuable and hilarious keepsakes.

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Here are a few items to add to your list:

Take a photo on the only escalator in town.

Take a photo outside of your favorite restaurant.

Capture your reflection in an unexpected place.

Imitate a statue's pose in front of said statue.

Take a photo of a historical marker.

3. Dinner and movie with a twist

Get creative with dinner and plan a picnic. Make something yourself and head to a nearby park. An added bonus will be avoiding the usually crowded restaurants.

Afterward, go watch a movie. Consider the Fountain Theater in Old Mesilla, which features a variety of independent films and documentaries. The theater will be featuring "Samsara" from Friday through Valentine's Day. "Samsara" is a non-narrative documentary that shows the viewer the different aspects that make up the human experience. This unconventional movie experience will show her your creative side and will likely serve as a stimulating conversation point for later. For information, visit mesillavalleyfilm.org.

4. Visit a winery

Take your date to one of the many tasting rooms around town to set the mood for a fun evening. A few to consider include Amaro (complimentary sweets during the day, $1 off glasses on Valentine's Day) or Luna Rossa (read about their Valentine's Day Wine Maker Dinner on page 4). Find a list of all wineries and tasting rooms in New Mexico at nmwines.com.

5. A getaway at Inn of the Mountain Gods

If you want to splurge, consider booking a romantic night at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. The hotel and casino is in Mescalero, near Ruidoso, and surrounded by mountains, pine trees and breathtaking scenery. The hotel is offering two different packages. The Superior Special includes a one-night stay in a superior or luxury room and includes roses and champagne. The Suite Special allows a couple to stay in one of the hotel's suites and also includes chocolate strawberries, along with the flowers and champagne. The deal also includes dinner at the hotel's restaurant. The first package is $149 and the second is $249. Any reservations for the Valentine's Day packages must be booked by Friday and can be made by calling 800-454-9011.

Monica Soltero is a freelance writer and may be reached at soltero_monica@yahoo.com.

Here's three more ideas

• Get married. Doña Ana County Probate Judge Alice Salcido has announced she will perform free weddings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Valentine's Day, at the Doña Ana County Government Center, Room 1-113. To reserve an appointment (required) for a Valentine's Day wedding, call Lydia Chaparro at (575) 525-6115.

• Send your love a pie. For $25 ($20 of which will benefit charities for needy kids in Haiti) LuAnne Burke will make and deliver a yummy apple pie inscribed with the message of your choice. Make arrangements at her booth at the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market Wednesday or call 575-523-PIES.

• Love in the desert: Asombro Institute for Science Education invites you "bring your sweetheart and fall in love with the desert together" on a free nature walk from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Info and directions: 575-524-3334 or www.asombro.org.

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